AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Although the audition time is limited, we would like to see each individual perform: 

• A short classic (pre-1990) musical excerpt 
• A short modern (post-1990) musical excerpt 
• If possible, a demonstration of original or improvised music 

These guidelines are intentionally loose. We understand that for some this may be your first audition. You are welcome and encouraged to make the audition show your strengths. Nervousness and jitters are common. The audition process is as much about being yourself as it is about performance. 

Audition Formats 

Live Audition 

At the audition, you will meet the judges, some AMP committee members and the music director of the program. The judges ask questions, then the student performs either a song or a mash-up of songs not to exceed 5 minutes. The judges will then ask more questions and send the student on their way. Participants will be notified by email after all auditions have been seen whether they are accepted into the program. 

Each applicant will be assigned a 10 min time slot which will include approximately 5 min of performance and 5 min of questions by the selection committee. Please show up at least 25 min early and check in at registration. Parents and guardians will fill out forms during this time. 

When called into the audition space, bring your instrument(s). A backline (guitar amp, microphones, drum set, bass amp, music stand) will be provided for the audition. If you are using background tracks, please bring your phone/music player — AMP will have an aux chord that will hook up to a standard headphone jack or an iPhone connection. Your audition may be video taped or audio recorded. 

The AMP selection committee is looking to see some level of musical proficiency, aptitude for learning about music, enthusiasm for performing, and willingness to work in groups. Last year AMP accepted a wide variety of musicians with diverse backgrounds, experiences and genres. We expect this year to be no different. 

The Q&A by the selection committee will be easy questions about your personal taste, goals and ambitions, experiences playing music in groups, past music classes, and lessons. 

Video Audition 

During our Fall and Spring programs, we sometimes conduct video auditions. These consist of a short video of you fulfilling the audition requirements above, and then a follow-up video chat between the musician, parent/guardian, and AMP staff to learn more about your musical experience and interests. To sign up to hear about the next available submission period, please fill out the AMP Audition + Interest Form. 

Questions? Please email us and we will add them to our FAQ.

What skills should I know before participating in AMP?  

Though playing in a band is a challenge if you don't know the basics of your instrument, you don't need to be a musical genius to play in a band or participate in AMP!  Here are skills that are good to know (but not necessary) before you audition for AMP:  

• How to Play Your Instrument  

AMP is not a music lessons program for individual instrument instruction; we are focused on the skills needed to play music with other people.  For this reason, musicians coming into AMP need to have some amount of experience on the instrument they wish to participate on.  It doesn't need to be a lot, just enough to communicate with other people!  

• Note Names on your Instrument  

At AMP, we learn music by ear and through charts. You do not need to be able to read music to participate in AMP (though we recommend it regardless!)  In order to effectively communicate with your bandmates, you should be able to identify notes and chords on your instrument with relative ease (eg. "play an Bmin chord, play an F#")  

• Ear Training  

Being able to identify a pitch on your instrument/voice when someone sings or plays you a pitch is an important skill when learning contemporary music styles. It is not necessary for you to have perfect pitch, but it is worth practicing being able to find notes on your instrument through listening, rather than reading. Here is a free resource to practice ear training if you are interested.  

• Multi-Instrumentalism  

AMP is all about ways to communicate with others, and a great way to communicate with your bandmates is through understanding their instruments. You will have opportunities at AMP to explore other instruments, but being able to play multiple roles in a band is a useful skill and helps AMP have more flexibility with who we accept. Particularly with vocalists - if you are able to participate in a band in a way other than just vocals (eg. keyboards, guitar, ukelele, percussion like tambourine or shaker, etc), your chances of being accepted into AMP are much higher! 

Auditions for AMP occur a few weeks before our three program sessions: AMP Fall, AMP Spring, and AMP Summer Camp. 

Fill out the form below in order to be notified about your next chance to audition to be a part of AMP's future programming!

If you aren't ready for AMP Summer, Sign up on our Interest Form to receive emails about our next audition dates for all of amp's upcoming programming. 

URL link to AMP Interest Form (better for mobile): https://goo.gl/forms/rOdFQqlq7wqc4Jdw2